System and method for data assisted chroma-keying

ABSTRACT

The invention illustrates a system and method of displaying a base image and an overlay image comprising: capturing a base image of a real event; receiving an instrumentation data based on the real event; identifying a visual segment within the base image based on the instrumentation data; and rendering an overlay image within the visual segment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims relating from the U.S. provisionalapplication entitled “Method and Apparatus for Mixed Reality Broadcast”filed on Aug. 10, 2001, with serial No. 60/311,477, which is hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to audio/visual content and moreparticularly to an apparatus and method for improved chroma-keying usinginstrumentation data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Typical television sport event coverage includes many videocameras covering different parts of the event. Some televised footballgames have as many as 20 video cameras covering the football field andare capable of providing a viewpoint from many different directions.

[0004] In many televised events, it is desirable to include overlays inportions of the televised broadcast. These overlays may includegraphical or captured images such as scoreboards, games statistics,advertisements, logos, and play-by-play graphics. To produce atelevision program of a live event with overlays such as a footballgame, a large amount of manual input is typically required to create atelevision program displaying scenes of the football game in conjunctionwith the overlays placed in an appropriate position. For the overlays tobe effective, they should not block an important portion of the liveprogramming. However, positioning the overlays is typically a manuallyintensive operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention illustrates a system and method of displaying abase image and an overlay image comprising: capturing a base image of areal event; receiving an instrumentation data based on the real event;identifying a visual segment within the base image based on theinstrumentation data; and rendering an overlay image within the visualsegment.

[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, illustrated by way of example of theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system overview accordingto the invention.

[0008]FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system overview accordingto the invention.

[0009]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the chroma-keyingsystem according to the invention.

[0010]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram according tothe invention.

[0011]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram according tothe invention.

[0012] FIGS. 6-7 show an exemplary screen shot illustrating oneembodiment according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Specific reference is made in detail to the embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention is described in conjunction with theembodiments, it will be understood that the embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the invention. The various embodiments areintended to illustrate the invention in different applications. Further,specific details are set forth in the embodiments for exemplary purposesand are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In otherinstances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not beendescribed in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of theinvention.

[0014] The invention includes a system and method for employing animproved chroma-keying system that utilizes instrumentation data. Theinvention utilizes techniques for seamlessly displaying an overlay imagewithin a base image in response to the instrumentation data gathered byvideo cameras and/or sensors. For the sake of simplicity and clarity,the invention is described with MPEG-2 being chosen as the deliverymechanism. However, any delivery mechanism suitable for use with theinvention may be utilized.

[0015]FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a dataacquisition and transmission system for use with a digital televisionsystem. In this illustrated example, an event occurs at an event site110. In one embodiment, the event at the event site 110 is a televisedfootball game. However, any live event such as a sports event, aconcert, a theatrical event, and the like may be utilized.

[0016] A plurality of cameras 120 is utilized to capture visual andaudio signals of the event at the event site 110. In addition, theplurality of cameras 120 also captures camera instrumentation dataconcurrently with the visual and audio signals. Camera instrumentationdata may include, for each video frame, the camera location, tilt, zoom,pan, field of view, focus setting, iris setting, and other informationrelated to the optics of each of the plurality of cameras 120.

[0017] A plurality of sensors 140 are utilized within the event site 110to capture performance instrumentation data. The performanceinstrumentation data describes the real event at the event site 110. Theplurality of sensors 140 may capture the performance instrumentationdata concurrently with the data camera instrumentation data captured bythe plurality of cameras 120. In this example of a televised footballgame, each football player may utilize a global positioning satelliteunit in their helmet as one of the plurality of sensors 140 to providethe performance instrumentation data in the form of the position relatedto the football player. In another embodiment, one of the plurality ofsensors 140 may include force sensor within each helmet to provide theperformance instrumentation data in the form of the force exerted on thefootball player. These specific examples of the plurality of sensors 140are shown for exemplary purposes only. Any type of sensor used tomeasure a physical aspect of the event at the event site 110 may beutilized.

[0018] An audio/visual equipment module 130 is configured to process theaudio visual signals. In one embodiment, the audio/visual equipmentmodule 130 is configured to receive the audio/visual signals from theplurality of cameras 120.

[0019] A data acquisition module 150 is configured to processinstrumentation data. In one embodiment, the data acquisition module 150is configured to receive the camera instrumentation data from theplurality of cameras 120 and the performance instrumentation data fromthe plurality of sensors 140. Thus, the performance data collected inthe data acquisition module 150 includes both the camera instrumentationdata which relates to particular parameters associated with theplurality of cameras 120 while recording the event and the performanceinstrumentation data which relates to data captured by the plurality ofsensors 140 which describes aspects of the event.

[0020] The multiplex and modulate module 160 is configured to receivethe audio visual signals from the audio visual equipment module 130 andthe instrumentation data from the data acquisition module 150. In oneembodiment, the module 160 is configured to multiplex and modulate theaudio visual signals with the instrumentation data into a unified signalrelative to time. A transmitter module 170 is configured to receive theunified signal from the multiplex and modulate module 160 and totransmit this unified signal. A television 180 a shown as an exemplarydevice to receive the unified signal via the transmitter module 170.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 2, a system 200 is shown for acquiring andprocessing both audio and video signals of an event and correspondinginstrumentation data which describes physical parameters of the eventaccording to one embodiment of the invention. In one example within thecontext of auto racing, the instrumentation data may include car speed,engine performance, physical location of the car, forces applied to thecar, and the like. In other embodiments, the instrumentation data willvary with the specific application of the invention.

[0022] The instrumentation data corresponds with the audio and videosignals in real time; the instrumentation data and the audio and videosignals are temporally correlated. In one embodiment, they aretemporally correlated by the use of timestamps. In another embodiment,they may be temporally correlated by relative signal timing.

[0023] In one embodiment, the system 200 includes an audio/visual (A/V)source 210, an MPEG-2 encoder 212, a data injector 214, a real-time datastreamer 216, a carousel streamer 218, a trigger generator 220, an AVand data transport stream 222, a modulator 224, a transmitter 226, atuner 228, a demultiplexer 230, an MPEG-2 decoder 232, a presentationengine 234, a broadcast data handler 236, and an application module 238.Additional specific elements common in computer system such asprocessors, memory, user interfaces, system busses, storage devices, andthe like are not shown to prevent unnecessarily obscuring the aspects ofthe invention.

[0024] The components 210-238 are merely illustrated in FIG. 2 as oneembodiment of the system 200. Although the components 210-238 areillustrated in FIG. 2 as separate components of the system 200, two ormore of these components may be integrated, thus decreasing the numberof components in the system 200. Similarly, the components 210-238 mayalso be separated, thus increasing the number of components within thesystem 200. Further, the components 210-238 may be implemented in anycombination of hardware, firmware and software.

[0025] The AN source 210 is connected to the MPEG-2 encoder 212 andprovides the MPEG-2 encoder with AN content. In one embodiment, the ANsource 210 includes a video camera. However, in another embodiment, theAN source 210 may also include a video cassette recorder, a digitalrecorder, or other means for providing AN content. The MPEG-2 encoder212 receives the AN content and encodes this content to form an encodedAN data stream according the MPEG-2 standard which is well known in theart. In other embodiments, other AN encoders such as MPEG-1 or MPEG-4may be utilized.

[0026] The MPEG-2 encoder 212, the real-time data streamer 216, thecarousel streamer 218 and the trigger generator 220 are connected to thedata injector 214. The real-time data streamer 216 provides the datainjector 214 with instrumentation data which describes and correspondsin real-time with the AN content from the AN source 110. Instrumentationdata describes in real-time physical aspects or conditions thatcorrespond with the AN content.

[0027] The carousel streamer 218 provides the data injector 214 withassets (e.g., images, audio clips, text files) related to the userinterface. The trigger generator 220 provides the data injector 214 withdata used to activated predefined actions on the receiver (e.g.,authored questions for a trivia game or poll, advertisement names forpop-up ad inserts).

[0028] The data injector 214 receives incoming data from the MPEG-2encoder 212, the real-time data streamer 216, the carousel streamer 218,and the trigger generator 220. The data injector 214 synchronizes theincoming data such that the data from the real-time data streamer 216,carousel streamer 218, and trigger generator 220 are timed with thecorresponding encoded A/V data stream. The data injector 214 isconnected to the AN and data transport stream 222 and feeds thesynchronized data through the AN and data transport stream 222 to themodulator 224.

[0029] The modulator 224 receives the synchronized data. Thesynchronized data includes the encoded AN data stream and associatedinstrumentation data from the real-time data streamer 216, carouselstreamer 218, and trigger generator 220. The modulator 224 broadcaststhis synchronized data through the transmitter 226. The transmitter 226may broadcast through air, cable, phone lines, and the like.

[0030] The tuner 228 receives the synchronized data which is broadcastthrough the transmitter 226. The demultiplexer 230 is connected to thetuner 228 and receives the synchronized data from the tuner 228. Thedemultiplexer 230 separates the encoded ANV data stream from other dataoriginally from the real-time data streamer 216, carousel streamer 218,and trigger generator 220. The MPEG-2 decoder 232 is connected to thedemultiplexer 230 and receives the encoded AN data stream from thedemultiplexer 230. The broadcast data handler 236 is connected to thedemultiplexer. The data from the real-time data streamer 216, carouselstreamer 218, and trigger generator 220, is received by the broadcastdata handler 236 from the demultiplexer 230.

[0031] The MPEG-2 decoder processes the encoded AN data stream andreturns a decoded AN data stream which is either identical or nearlyidentical to the original AN data stream from the AN source 210. Similarto the MPEG-2 encoder 212, the MPEG-2 decoder 232 may be substitutedwith other AN encoders such as MPEG-1 or MPEG-4. The MPEG-2 decoder 232is connected with the presentation engine 234. The presentation engine234 receives the decoded AN data stream from the MPEG-2 decoder 232.

[0032] The broadcast data handler 236 is connected to the applicationmodule 138. The broadcast data handler 236 reformats the data from thetransport stream into data that the application module 238 can utilize.The data from the real-time data streamer 216, carousel streamer 218,and trigger generator 220 is received by the application module 238. Theapplication module 238 utilizes the data from the real-time datastreamer 216, carousel streamer 218, and trigger generator 220. Theapplication module 238 also interacts with the presentation engine 234.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 3, a system 300 is shown for acquiring andprocessing both audio and video signals of an event and correspondinginstrumentation data which describes physical parameters of the eventand camera parameters according to one embodiment of the invention. Thesystem 300 includes a sensor 310, a segment identifier module 315, acamera 320, a color histogram module 325, a rendering module 330, and acompositing module 340.

[0034] The components 310-340 are merely illustrated in FIG. 3 as oneembodiment of the system 300. Although the components 310-340 areillustrated in FIG. 3 as separate components of the system 300, two ormore of these components may be integrated, thus decreasing the numberof components in the system 300. Similarly, the components 310-340 mayalso be separated, thus increasing the number of components within thesystem 300. Further, the components 310-340 may be implemented in anycombination of hardware, firmware and software.

[0035] In one embodiment, the sensor 310 and the camera 320 areconfigured on the broadcast side and the rendering module 330 and thecompositing module 340 are configured to be placed on the receiver side.However, in other embodiments, the rendering module 330 and thecompositing module 340 are configured to be placed on the broadcastside.

[0036] In one embodiment, the camera 320 is configured to capture bothimage data 360 and camera instrumentation data 365. The image data 360is sent the compositing module 340. The camera instrumentation data 365is sent to the rendering module 330. The camera instrumentation data 365may include field-of-view data, camera position data, zoom data, and pandata of the event being captured by the camera 320. There may also bemultiple cameras within the system 300 wherein each camera is uniquelyidentified.

[0037] The sensor 310 is configured to capture performanceinstrumentation data 370 for use by the rendering module 330. In oneembodiment, an auto racing event is utilized to demonstrate variousperformance instrumentation data 370 within the system 300. In otherembodiments, the system 300 may be applied to other events. For example,the performance instrumentation data 370 may include car speed, carengine performance parameters, forces exerted onto the car, carposition, and the like. Multiple sensors may be utilized within thesystem 300.

[0038] The segment identifier module 315 receives the camerainstrumentation data 365 and the performance instrumentation data 370.The segment identifier module 315 is configured to identify a visualsegment through the use of camera instrumentation data and performanceinstrumentation data. The visual segment refers to a part of the baseimage which is captured by the camera 320. In one embodiment, the visualsegment is the portion of the base image which gets superimposed orkeyed in. In other words, the visual segment identifies the pixels whichwill be affected by the graphics insertion. Specific examples ofgraphics insertions are shown in the following figures.

[0039] The visual segment can be identified by coordinates in the baseimage which can be obtained from the camera instrumentation data and theperformance instrumentation data. In one embodiment, a three-dimensionalmodel of the base image is utilized in conjunction with the dimensionsand coordinates of a surface used to display to correlate the camerainstrumentation data with the size and coordinates to insert thegraphic.

[0040] In another embodiment, the camera instrumentation data isutilized to identify the corner points or contours of the area boundingthe visual segment in two dimensional space. In doing so, additionalsignals may be identified within the area bounding the visual segment.In another embodiment, the insertion surface may be more complex than asimple two dimensional surface. In this case, a more complete threedimensional model may be utilized to accurately define the correspondingvisual segment.

[0041] The camera instrumentation data allows the definition of theboundaries of the visual segment where the projections of graphicsoccurs. In the case of a visual segment defined by a moving surface,such as a helmet of a football player, performance instrumentation datatracking the moving helmet and camera instrumentation data tracking themoving helmet relative to the viewpoint perspective are utilized. Inthis specific example, the visual segment moves with the correspondingfootball player.

[0042] Further, even in a specific example of a stationary object beingthe visual segment, such as the football field, the change in focus orzoom of the camera may change the coordinates of the visual segment. Thecoordinates of the visual segment may be constantly updated andrecalculated based on the instrumentation data.

[0043] The color histogram module 325 is configured to identify therange of colors within the visual segment. The color histogram module325 is also configured to calculate the amount and frequency of thecolors contained within the visual segment. In one embodiment, the colorhistogram module 325 utilizes a specialized graph or plot to representthe number of colors and the amount and frequency of these colors withinthe visual segment.

[0044] In one embodiment, the color histogram module 325 also identifiesa new key color value 375 and transmits this value 375 to the segmentidentifier module 315. In one embodiment, the new key color value 375 ischosen based on the nearest peak or nearest summit on the graphrepresenting the various colors within the visual segment. In anotherembodiment, the new key color value 375 is related to color distributionwhere parameters such as sensitivity determine how closely the colorsmust match the key color to be considered part of the color key.

[0045] In another embodiment, various alternate systems besides thecolor histogram module 325 may be utilized to identify the key colorvalue. For example, a variety of statistical algorithms and system maybe utilized to identify the key color value.

[0046] In one embodiment, the rendering module 330 receives theinstrumentation data, the key color value, and the visual segmentinformation. In one embodiment, the rendering module 330 generates anoverlay image based on the visual segment information. In anotherembodiment, the rendering module 330 generates an overlay image based onthe key color value. In yet another embodiment, the rendering module 330generates an overlay image based on the instrumentation data.

[0047] In one embodiment, the rendering module 330 is configured togenerate an overlay image that incorporates the insertion of graphics tobe displayed in conjunction with the base image. The overlay image isrendered by the rendering module 330 in response to the visual segment,the key color value, and/or the instrumentation data.

[0048] The compositing module 340 receives the overlay image from therendering module 330 and the image data 360 from the camera 320. In oneembodiment, the compositing module 340 integrates the image data 360within the overlay image. In other words, the compositing module 340blends the image data 360 within the overlay image to create a single,combined overlay image wherein the combined overlay image includes theoverlay image from the rendering module 330 combined with the image data360 which depicts a real event captured by the camera 320.

[0049] For the sake of clarity, the embodiment shown in the system 300is illustrated utilizing the overlay image created by the renderingmodule 330 and image data representing a single base image captured bythe camera 320. In another embodiment, multiple overlay images and imagedata representing multiple base images may be utilized to create astream of images representing a video stream. Further, this stream ofimages both overlay and base may be combined by the compositing module340.

[0050] A televised football game has been utilized as an example withinvarious embodiments of the invention. However, any type of live event issuitable as application for use with the invention. In a televisedfootball game, the static portions of the world model include thefootball field and surrounding stadium. The dynamic objects include thefootball players and the ball. If the instrumentation data includestracking the position of the football players, then the football playerpositions may be tracked using a technique such as inverse kinematics inone embodiment. If the instrumentation data includes tracking theparticular motions of the football players, then the football playermotions may be tracked using a technique such as joint position and/ororientation in one embodiment.

[0051] The flow diagrams as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 are merely oneembodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the flow diagramsillustrate the use of the instrumentation data within the system 300(FIG. 3).

[0052] The blocks within the flow diagram may be performed in adifferent sequence without departing from the spirit of the invention.Further, blocks may be deleted, added or combined without departing fromthe spirit of the invention.

[0053] In Block 400, a real event is captured by a camera and/or sensor.A series of base images are captured by the camera and a correspondingseries of instrumentation data are captured by the camera and/or sensor.

[0054] In Block 410, the chroma keying parameters are selected by auser. Various chroma keying parameters may be selected such as a keycolor value, spill removal, softness, garbage mate, key shrink,glossing, shadows, flare suppression, and the like.

[0055] In Block 420, the key color value is selected. In one embodiment,the selection of the color key value may be manually performed by theuser. In another embodiment, the selection of the color key value may beautomated. The color key value may be defined over a finite range ofcolor values.

[0056] For example, a weatherman on television typically appears infront of a monochromatic background. During a televised production, abackground scene is overlayed onto the monochromatic background whilestill showing the weatherman in front of the background scene if the keycolor value is properly matched and has an appropriate range relative tothe monochromatic background. The background scene is often a videostream showing various map regions. However, if the key color value hasa range that is too broad, portions of the weatherman are erroneouslycovered with the background scene. Additionally, if the key color valuehas a range that is too narrow, there will be holes in the backgroundscene which will display the monochromatic background. Further, if thekey color value is centered poorly, then both of these effects willoccur.

[0057] In Block 430, the visual segment is identified according to thesegment identifier module 315 (FIG. 3). Instrumentation data 480 and thekey color value are received. The visual segment refers to the portionof the base image that receives a superimposed overlay. The key colorvalue and the instrumentation data 480 aid in identifying and trackingthe visual segment. The visual segment may be a dynamic target.

[0058] In Block 440, a color histogram is calculated for the visualsegement according to the color histogram module 325 (FIG. 2).

[0059] In Block 450, a new key color value is calculated from the colorhistogram. The new key color value updates the key color value accordingto the visual segment. The visual segment may be dynamic. For example,as the visual segment changes in color due to movement, shadows, varyingenvironment, and the like. The new key color value is transmitted to theBlock 430 thereby updating the key color value from the Block 420.

[0060] In Block 460, the rendering module 330 generates an overlayimage. Multiple overlay images represents a video data stream. Theoverlay image is configured to overlay the visual segment within thebase image. In one embodiment, the overlay image may include a graphicsimage, a captured image, and the like. The overlay image may take theform of an advertisement, a scoreboard, a logo, and the like.

[0061] In Block 470, the compositing module 340 (FIG. 3) integrates andblends the overlay scene data stream and the base video stream inresponse to the rendering process shown for exemplary purposes withinthe rendering module 330. The overlay image and the base image 485 arereceived.

[0062] The Blocks 400-470 are performed within the context of thesegment identifier module 315, the color histogram module 325, therendering module 330 and the compositing module 340 for exemplarypurposes only. In other embodiments, the Blocks 400-470 may be performedin any generalized processor or any graphics specific processor.

[0063]FIG. 5 illustrates a depth layer technique for use within thesystem 300. In Block 500, the instrumentation data is received by thesegment identifier module 315 in one embodiment. The instrumentationdata may include both camera instrumentation data and performanceinstrumentation data. The instrumentation data is utilized to generate adepth map. The depth map illustrates a layer representation of theobjects within the base image.

[0064] In Block 510, the depth map information may be utilized topre-segment a portion of the visual segment. For example, the depth mapinformation is utilized to identify an object that is located in frontof an area in the visual segment where the overlay image is inserted.The portion of the visual segment that is blocked by the object may beexcluded from the visual segment and from the color histogramcalculations.

[0065] In Block 520, the pre-segment information, the instrumentationdata, and the key color value are utilized to identify boundaries of thevisual segment.

[0066] For the sake of clarity, FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a particularscreen shot for demonstrating one embodiment for the invention. Otherembodiments may contain variations of the particular screen shots shownin FIGS. 6 and 7 without departing from the spirit of the invention. Inthe screen shots, a televised football application is utilized. However,any live event may be utilized in other embodiments.

[0067]FIG. 6 illustrates screen shots 600 and 650. The screen shot 600includes a real scene image that is captured by a camera. The screenshot 600 includes, in part, a football field 610 and a plurality offootball players 620.

[0068] The screen shot 650 incorporates the base scene of the screenshot 600 and an overlay image. The screen shot 650 includes a footballfield 660, a plurality of football players 670, and a plurality ofgraphics 680. The plurality of graphics 680 represent a team logo andare part of the overlay image which is integrated with the base sceneimage.

[0069] In one embodiment, the system 300 (FIG. 3) integrates the overlayimage such as the plurality of graphics 680 and the base scene imagesuch as the football field 660 and the plurality of football players 670via the instrumentation data.

[0070]FIG. 7 illustrates screen shots 700 and 750. The screen shot 700includes a base scene image that is captured by a camera. The screenshot 700 includes, in part, a football field 710 and a plurality offootball players 720.

[0071] The screen shot 750 incorporates the base scene of the screenshot 700 and an overlay image. The screen shot 750 includes a footballfield 760, a plurality of football players 770, and a plurality ofgraphics 780. The plurality of graphics 780 represent a team logo andare part of the overlay image which is integrated with the base sceneimage. A group of football players 775 are positioned in front of theplurality of graphics 780. Because of the position of the group offootball players 775 relative to the plurality of graphics 780, thevisual segment excludes the area occupied by the group of footballplayers 775. Accordingly, the plurality of graphics 780 are renderedbehind the group of football players 775 to prevent obstructing theirview by a user.

[0072] In one embodiment, the system 300 (FIG. 3) integrates the overlayimage such as the plurality of graphics 780 and the base scene imagesuch as the football field 760, the plurality of football players 770,and the group of football players 775 via the instrumentation data. Inanother embodiment, the depth layer system as illustrated in FIG. 5 isutilized for ordering objects and excluding the group of footballplayers 775 from the visual segment via the instrumentation data.

[0073] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of theinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. For example, the invention is described within the contextof auto racing and football as merely embodiments of the invention. Theinvention may be applied to a variety of other theatrical, musical, gameshow, reality show, and sports productions.

[0074] They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventionto the precise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principlesof the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be definedby the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

In the claims:
 1. A system comprising: a. a camera device for capturinga base image and a corresponding instrumentation data associated withthe base image; and b. a segment identifier module for defining a visualsegment within the base image based upon the instrumentation datawherein the visual segment is configured to accept an overlay image. 2.The system according to claim 1 further comprising a compositing moduleconfigured for receiving the base image and the overlay image andsimultaneously displaying the base image and the overlay image.
 3. Thesystem according to claim 1 further comprising a rendering moduleconfigured for rendering the overlay image within the visual segment ofthe base image.
 4. The system according to claim 1 wherein theinstrumentation data includes one of a camera position, a camera zoom, acamera pan, a camera tilt, a camera field-of-view, and an objectlocation.
 5. The system according to claim 1 further comprising a depthmap module configured for ordering an object relative to the overlayimage based on the instrumentation data and defining a boundary for thevisual segment.
 6. The system according to claim 1 further comprising acolor histogram module for analyzing a color distribution of the visualsegment and updating a key color value.
 7. The system according to claim1 wherein the segment identifier is configured to track a location ofthe visual segment within the base image based on the instrumentationdata.
 8. The system according to claim 1 further comprising a sensor forgenerating the instrumentation data for measuring a physical parameterof a real event.
 9. The system according to claim 8 wherein the physicalparameter may be one of a force exerted on an object and a location ofthe object.
 10. A method comprising: a. capturing a base image of a realevent; b. receiving an instrumentation data based on the real event; c.identifying a visual segment within the base image based on theinstrumentation data; and d. rendering an overlay image within thevisual segment.
 11. The method according to claim 10 wherein theinstrumentation data includes one of a camera position, a camera zoom, acamera pan, a camera tilt, a camera field-of-view, and an objectlocation.
 12. The method according to claim 10 further comprisingtracking the visual segment via the instrumentation data.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 10 further comprising analyzing a color distributionof the visual segment.
 14. The method according to claim 13 furthercomprising updating a key color value based on the color distribution.15. The method according to claim 10 further comprising calculating adepth map of an object within the base image relative to the visualsegment based on the instrumentation data.
 16. The method according toclaim 15 further refining the visual segment based on the depth map. 17.The method according to claim 10 further comprising simultaneouslydisplaying the base image and the overlay image within the visualsegment.
 18. The method according to claim 10 wherein the overlay imageis one of a graphic and a base image captured by a device.
 19. Themethod according to claim 10 wherein the overlay image is anadvertisement.
 20. A system comprising: a. a camera device for capturinga base image; a. sensing means for capturing an instrumentation dataassociated with a base image; and b. a segment identifier module fordefining a visual segment within the base image based upon theinstrumentation data wherein the visual segment is configured to acceptan overlay image.
 21. The system according to claim 20 furthercomprising a camera device for capturing a base image;
 22. Acomputer-readable medium having computer executable instructions forperforming a method comprising: a. capturing a base image of a realevent; b. receiving an instrumentation data based on the real event; c.identifying a visual segment within the base image based on theinstrumentation data; and d. rendering an overlay image within thevisual segment.